Melrose Trading Post

Type: OutdoorsCategory: Entertainment, ShoppingCompany: Friends who like open-air markets, vintage goods, and the opportunity for a good haggleCost: $2.00 per person (entry) / Free parkingOTC Tip: Bring cash and your friend Patience. Go as close to opening as possible (9am).Schedule: "Every Sunday, Rain or Shine!"

Review:
As a fan of all things unique, I've always loved a good market. Whether it's farmers (food), flea (vintage), or pop-up (variety), the promise of finding special and creative kitch for cheaper than ever sold elsewhere makes me happy. Sure, you'll be on your feet for a while. Yes, you'll need to touch, sort, and rummage. And like today, in the 80+ degree weather you will sweat, tire, and squint.

But then you'll come across the good stuff. And the Melrose Trading Post has a lot of it. Necklaces of old, new, tiny and huge, some with gems, others with keys, many with pendants. Cabinets, tables, chairs of all sorts of materials (wood, leather, distressed, torn, pristine). Clothes (handmade, slightly used, designer sample-sale). Posters, gigantic scissors, ceramics, sunglasses, suitcases, china, and collector magazines galore.

OTC Tip:There's a whole lot to take in and sift through here. You'll feel a tad overwhelmed at first, but if you casually graze through and then return to purchase, your senses won't feel so bombarded and pressured.

Having not gone with "something in mind," I exited with a cool poster and a necklace made from a broken key part. Next time I go back, I'll be on the hunt for a watch.